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#GPLwk1: Techiman Eleven Wonders hold Asante Kotoko on opening day

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Kumasi Asante Kotoko opened their 2020/2021 Ghana Premier League season with a rather underwhelming 1-1 draw at home to Techiman Eleven Wonders at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday night.

At kick off, the visitors, Eleven Wonders looked the more dangerous as they constantly found ways to beat the offside trap with Ibrahim Salifu delivering incisive passes to his attackers who could not make the most of the balls.

In the game’s first real opening, Clement Boahen found Abdul Mugese with a low pass inside the Kotoko 18-yard box, but the winger’s shot was blocked by Felix Annan.

 

After a barren first half where both sides failed to capitalise on their chances, it was Kwame Opoku, the Kotoko number 9 who broke the deadlock after recess.

The former Nkoranza Warriors striker reacted quickest to a dead-ball situation, picked the ball, and made for himself some space inside the Wonders penalty box before finishing it off with a shot into the left bottom corner.

While leading by a goal, Felix Annan pulled off a spectacular save to deny Techiman Eleven Wonders.

Adu Boahen’s shot deflected off Abdul Ganiyu, swerving Felix Annan towards the goalpost but the goalkeeper pulled off a stunning dive to keep his side in the game.

Not longer after, Eleven Wonders’ substitute,  Prince Okraku found the equalizer for the away and deservedly so.

A good spell of inter-positional passes found Okraku who was quick with his shot as he hit the ball into the left bottom corner, beating Felix Annan.

The Porcupine Warriors will travel to Berekum next to play Berekum Chelsea on Saturday, November 22, 2020.

 

Workers must understand their contributions determine their benefits – SSNIT Board Chair

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The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Dr. Kwame Addo-Kufuor, has called on members of the National Association of Pensioners (NPA), to support the Trust’s effort in educating the public on the SSNIT Scheme.

Dr. Addo-Kufuor explained that the bane of most retirees was the low level of understanding on how the Scheme operates and how benefits are determined.

In his view, workers can only insist on the correct contributions being paid for them if they know how that will impact their benefit.

He made this appeal last Tuesday when members of the association honored him and the Director-General of the Trust, Dr. John Ofori Tenkorang for their immense contribution to the welfare of pensioners.

 

“Let me express my appreciation for the partnership and support we continue to enjoy from the NPA. While I commend you for your support, I must also ask you to complement SSNIT’s public education efforts so that the young ones who are currently working, take their social security contribution and retirement planning serious.”
READ ALSO: SSNIT accused of foot-dragging in payment of Past Credit lump sums

“It is important that we pass on the message that, what you receive as pension is a portion of your salary, which is calculated based on the contributions you made to SSNIT whiles in active service. In other words, what you put in determines what you get”, he said.

According to the Acting General Secretary of NPA, Mr. Stephen Boakye, Dr. Addo-Kufuor’s unique leadership and selfless dedication to the Trust has led to a reduction in the number of days retirees had to wait to receive their first pension.

Prior to his appointment, pensioners had to wait for over two months after submitting their application for benefits before being paid, but now beneficiaries are paid in about two weeks.

Mr. Boakye also indicated that it was under the Chairmanship of Dr. Addo-Kufuor that an amount of GH¢800,000 was donated to support the Pensioners Medical Scheme (PMS). The PMS is an initiative of the NPA to cater for ailments that are peculiar to the aged, but not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme.

The Association, in recognition of his distinguished service, presented a citation to him. Part of the citation read “You are on record to have helped the Trust refocus its business on its key stakeholders, especially pensioners”.

The Director General of SSNIT, Dr. Ofori-Tenkorang, was also recognized by the NPA for implementing policies that have improved the image of the Trust since 2017.

Part of a citation presented to him stated that, “The image of the Trust has improved considerably. Over the past three years, SSNIT has introduced initiatives that have made clients and members the centerpiece of their operations”.

In his acceptance speech, the Board Chairman of the Trust indicated that the recognition given to him and the Trust indicates that members of the Association appreciate the work they have done so far.

He added that the Board and Management will continue to prioritize the welfare of pensioners.

“The welfare of pensioners is specifically very important to me and the Board, because after giving the country the best years of your life, you deserve to retire in dignity and relative comfort”, he said.

On his part, the Director General of SSNIT was grateful for the honor conferred on him.

He noted that SSNIT is there to ensure the welfare of workers, insisting it is imperative employers pay the right contributions of their employees to earn decent pension.

GPL: Thieves ransack Legon Cities and Berekum Chelsea team buses during match

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Notorious robbers ensured that the 2020/21 Ghana Premier League season got off to an ignominious start after raiding the dressing rooms of both Legon Cities and Berekum Chelseas while the opening match of the season was underway on Saturday night.

Players and officials of both sides were only left with the option of raining coronavirus-curses on the audacious thieves after the game that ended in a draw at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The brazen robbery took place even though the government had ordered for matches in the league to be played behind closed doors.

As such the two clubs were stunned to discover that bandits had stormed their dressing rooms and made away with large sums of money, laptops, mobile phones, watches and rings while they fought during the 1-1 draw game.

The robbers feasted heavily while the two sides fought the tightly contested game to mark the start of the season affected by more than 68 cases of coronavirus hitting several players in the league.

With hopes of catching the burglars fading fast as CCTV at the national stadium is faulty, players and officials had to resort to the comfort of praying to God for coronavirus to catch the perpetrators of the robbery.

Angry players distraught by the massive clear-out could be heard screaming ‘may God punish these thieves by infecting them with coronavirus.’

Other accounts claim that the stealing took place in the buses of the clubs but a Chelsea player said the thieves broke into the dressing rooms.

“After the game, we went straight to the dressing room and got the surprise of our lives. Our belongings were stolen,” Berekum Chelsea player Owusu told Ashes Gyamera.

“We could not believe it because the doors were closed and most especially we played in an empty Stadium since it was behind close doors.

“Some of the players lost hundreds and thousands of cedis while mobile phones and laptops were also taken away. I don’t know what the authorities will do about this incident but it is very bad,” he added.

Source: Ghanasoccernet.com

World Bank Group supports COVID-19 response with US$130m

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The World Bank has approved an additional credit of US$130million from the International Development Association (IDA) for the Ghana COVID-19 Emergency Preparedness and Response Project.

The additional financing for the health sector will support government to scale-up its efforts to prevent a resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic and safely reopen its economy.

 

“This additional funding is timely and critical for saving lives and building resilient systems by further increasing capacity of surveillance, diagnosis and treatment with increased availability of intensive-care unit beds and adopting new COVID-19 medications.

These are integral efforts toward achieving Universal Health Coverage, which Ghana has committed to as a priority,” said Pierre Laporte, the World Bank Country Director for Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

The project will strengthen government efforts to prevent and contain the virus and safely revive socio-economic activities in the country. It will also help prepare for future COVID-19 vaccine deployment.

 

“The project complements both the World Bank Group and other development partners’ investments in disease control and surveillance, and citizen engagement. We will continue working closely with other partners to support the scaling-up of Ghana’s COVID-19 response and secure essential health and nutrition service delivery,” said Anthony Seddoh, Senior Health Specialist at the World Bank Group.

The project will also expand communications and awareness campaigns nationwide to reduce risks of infection and increase understanding of the COVID-19 vaccines. It will increase support to persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups – such as survivors of gender-based violence, who have been disproportionally affected by the pandemic.

READ ALSO : Governments and private sector can recover economy after COVID-19 – Vodafone CEO

The World Bank Group, one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, is taking broad, fast action to help developing countries strengthen their pandemic response. It is supporting public health interventions, working to ensure the flow of critical supplies and equipment, and helping the private sector continue to operate and sustain jobs.

The World Bank Group is making available up to US$160billion over a 15-month period ending June 2021 to help more than 100 countries protect the poor and vulnerable, support businesses, and bolster economic recovery. This includes US$50billion of new IDA resources through grants and highly concessional loans, and US$12billion for developing countries to finance the purchase and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

Ghana Charismatic Bishops Conference condoles with Ghanaians over Rawlings’ death

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The Ghana Charismatic Bishops Conference has expressed its sympathies over the death of former President Jerry John Rawlings.

The Conference in a statement said its members are filled with “great sadness” owing to the passing of President Rawlings.

The Charismatic Bishops Conference said it was its prayer that all who are affected by the death of Rawlings are comforted.

“We are fully aware that in the process of leading this nation and bringing about radical changes, he offended and grievously hurt many individuals and families. Many of those wounds persist till this day, and our prayer is that Almighty God would lessen the agony of bereavement on both sides of the divide. Indeed, President Rawlings was a man who stirred up strong emotions on both sides of the divide and we would not attempt to beguile any side with meaningless words,” the statement signed by General Secretary Rev. Kwasi Deh said.

The Charismatic Bishops Conference said it was thankful to God for Rawlings who led Ghana to the best of his ability, adding that the family of Rawlings will be consoled “in this difficult time.”

Read the full statement below:

It is with great sadness that we learn of the sudden passing of former President Jerry John Rawlings. President Rawlings was the leader of our nation for two decades and to many Ghanaians, he was the only head of state that many knew for many years.

We are fully aware that in the process of leading this nation and bringing about radical changes, he offended and grievously hurt many individuals and families. Many of those wounds persist till this day, and our prayer is that Almighty God would lessen the agony of bereavement on both sides of the divide. Indeed, President Rawlings was a man who stirred up strong emotions on both sides of the divide and we would not attempt to beguile any side with meaningless words.

Acknowledgement must however be rendered to Almighty God for a famous son of our soil, who fathered a movement, who birthed revolutionary changes, who led the great nation of Ghana for decades and who attempted to help his country as best as he could.

We of the Ghana Charismatic Bishops Conference, cannot refrain from extending our deepest condolences to a nation that is grieving the loss of one of its notable and courageous leaders. Our heartfelt condolences go especially to his wife Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings and their children. Indeed, sorrow comes to all people in this sad world of ours. May the thoughts and memories of your dear father bring you consolation in this difficult time. May the grace of God be with you and leave you only the cherished memory of your loved one.

Our prayer is that all parts of the Ghanaian society will be filled with forgiveness, reconciliation and mercies as we remember how our Heavenly Father has granted unto us mercy, that we may enter His kingdom through the blood of Jesus Christ.

God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and stronger than ever!

When did Rawlings die

Former President Jerry John Rawlings died around 10 am on November 12, 2020, at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital at age 73.

The sad incident occurred barely a month after he laid his mother Madam Victoria Agbotui to rest.

Many leaders in Ghana and across the world have expressed their condolences to the family and the country.

President Nana Akufo-Addo and former president John Mahama have also paid visits to his house to console with his family.

The Office of the late President has since urged the general public and groups to book appointments to make the necessary visitation arrangements.

Let’s support EC to deliver free, fair elections – Catholic Bishops’ Conference

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The Catholic Bishops Conference is urging Ghanaians to support the Electoral Commission as they organize the 2020 elections.

The Executive Secretary of the Department of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat, Rev. Fr. Dieu-Donne Kofi Davor, urged Ghanaians to trust the Electoral Commission based on the assurances of ensuring a free and fair process and play their role in ensuring that the objective is achieved.

He told Citi News that, “if we believe that with all the assurances given, the Electoral Commission is ready to ensure free, fair elections, and this is the institutions that is there to serve us, the Bishops believe that if there is no reason to doubt the assurance that they will deliver on their mandate, all we will do as a people is to ensure that we trust and give them the support they need to be able to execute their duty to the satisfaction of all of us.
READ ALSO: Supporting Elections Across Africa (By Akua Gyekye)

The Conference in a communiqué issued at the end of their annual plenary assembly held at Adutor in the Volta Region of Ghana said it is important for the country to commit to peace before, during and after the polls to safeguard its democracy.

The Conference also urged political parties and their leaders not to make unrealistic promises as that will be tantamount to deceiving citizens.

“We call on Ghanaians to repose trust and confidence in the work of the EC throughout the period of the elections and thereafter…. We appeal once again to politicians, members and supports of the various political parties during their campaigning to avoid the temptation of making promises that they know they cannot fulfill because this amounts to deceiving the people of Ghana. We urge them to avoid hate-filled statements and expressions that elicit revenge and vendetta,” the communiqué stated.

It added, “We also call on party leaders, parliamentary and presidential candidates to conduct themselves honorably and to respect their opponents, both in their utterances and actions.”

The Conference also tasked security agencies to conduct themselves professionally and impartially and enforce to the letter the Vigilantism and Related Offences law.

“Consequently we state that the prevalence of so-called “machomen” who move about intimidating and brutalizing Ghanaian should be dealt with by the appropriate law enforcement agencies by enforcing to the letter the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act 2019. (act 999),” it further indicated.

It also called on the media to be circumspect in its reportage on the elections.

SOURCE: CITI NEWS

W/R: 245 markets benefit from 3rd phase of nationwide disinfection exercise

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A total of 245 markets in the Western Region have been disinfected by Zoomlion Ghana Limited in the 3rd phase of the market disinfection exercise ongoing across the country.

The Western Regional Minister, Kwame Okyere Darko Mensah who witnessed the Takoradi Market circle exercise commended Zoomlion for a thorough work done.

Speaking to journalists at the Takoradi Market circle where the disinfection was also extended to the various Taxi stations, the Minister urged the public to observe proper personal hygiene habits as the region has begun recording some new COVID-19 cases.

“It is a proactive measure by government to disinfect market and public places every three months. This is to guide this country against COVID-19. People are even talking about second wave which has not yet happened but we believe that from day one of doing this exercise, it is very important that we continue till the day we are told that COVID is no more in the country. We know that we put in a lot of measures including even locking our boarders, we put in all the safety protocols and we ask people to make sure that they follow through. Currently as at 15th October, Western Region had a zero case of COVID, but we are seeing some new numbers and we don’t want anybody to panic. We just want people to follow the rules and make sure they don’t escalate,” he said.

The Western Regional Manger of Zoomlion, Alhaji Abdulai Abdala who supervised the exercise called on the media to complement Zoomlion’s disinfection programme with intensified education on COVID-19.

“You will agree with me that recently the pandemic is going a little up and we need to check it. We also want to ensure that the process or the protocols are observed, so we try to educate the masses as we go along with the disinfection exercise to ensure that we observe the necessary protocols just as to bring the figures down. We also want to appeal through the media that you are the mouth piece of the nation. Whenever we get the opportunity, let us try to educate the masses regarding the disease and how we can curb it. Within two hours we will be done and the market women and men can get back to work.“

The Mayor of Sekondi Takoradi, Alhaji Mumin Issah who also inspected the market disinfection exercise reminded residents about the continuous threat of COVID-19 to the metropolis, hence the need for all to observe the stated preventive protocols.

Emmanuel Adebayor open to playing for Asante Kotoko

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Ex-Real Madrid striker Emmanuel Adebayor will love to have a career swansong at Ghana Premier League giants Asante Kotoko.

The former Togo  captain, who resides in the Ghanaian capital Accra, is also ready to serve in management or on the board.

Adebayor is available on a free transfer after terminating his contract with Paraguayan side Olimpia in July 2020 on mutual due to the complications of the coronavirus pandemic.

The 36-year-old was spotted at the official media briefing of Asante Kotoko’s partnership deal with Hisense on Saturday, 14 November 2020.

When asked if he would consider playing for Porcupine Warriors before hanging up his boots, Adebayor gave the club followers a glimmer of hope.

”In life when I was young I never thought I will play for Real Madrid in my whole entire life. I never thought I would even be once on the TV in my life but at the end of the day, I have been there,” Adebayor said.

”In life when I was young I never thought I will play for Real Madrid in my whole entire life. I never thought I would even be once on the TV in my life but at the end of the day, I have been there,” Adebayor said.

”Playing for Kotoko is a team and I already have one friend there now. I have family, I know the CEO so I will never say never.

”I may decide to retire in Ghana or I may decide to be part of the board.”

Adebayor played for some high profile clubs in Europe including Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.

He also had a stints in Turkey with Istanbul Basaksehir and Kayserispor.

Source: Ghanasoccernet.com

Minority NDC mourns Rawlings’ death

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The Minority Caucus in Parliament has confirmed it is deeply saddened at the tragic passing of former President and Founder of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings.
 
According to them, it was difficult for them to come to terms with the shocking development considering that only few weeks ago, he looked well and hearty when they visited his home to commiserate with him on the loss of his mother.
 
A statement issued and signed by Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu observed that Ghana and for that matter Africa has lost a political icon.
 
Mr Iddrisu also stated that Ghana owes her current democratic credentials as a peaceful and stable democracy to former President Jerry John Rawlings, adding that he is unmatched in the fight against corruption as he made it a high-risk activity.
 
The statement said his motivation for public service was for the public good as he selflessly and relentlessly fought cronyism, nepotism and graft, saying his death must inspire all to seek the national interest.
 
He said the void created by his departure cannot be filled and that Ghana had lost a dedicated public servant par excellence.
 
The statement urged all Minority MPs to accordingly suspend their campaigns consistent with the leadership exhibited by their flagbearer John Dramani Mahama.
 
The Minority further expressed its deepest condolences to the family of former President Rawlings particularly their colleague MP, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings.
 
The statement said “May the Lord grant President Rawlings’ soul peaceful eternal rest”.
 
GNA

It is time we think beyond NPP and NDC- CPP Running mate

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Professor Emmanuel Yaovi Boboobi, running mate of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) flagbearer, Mr Ivor Kobina Greenstreet, has urged Ghanaians to shift attention beyond the two major political parties to a third force for rapid development.
 
He expressed worry about the level of mismanagement exhibited by both the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress, adding they only brought division among Ghanaians.
 
Professor Boboobi said this when he met leadership and supporters of the Party at Akatsi during a day’s tour to the Volta Region.
 
“It is time we look elsewhere, it is time we start thinking beyond the NDC and the NPP, It is time we reject parties built on structures that can only benefit a few, they have divided us, and in all these years of their rule, there has been no significant change in our well-being nor an improvement in the quality of our lives,” he said.
 
He said the next CPP government would restore hope and dignity to all Ghanaians, and that there would be job security, food stability, oneness, among others.
 
Professor Boboobi further said the CPP would prioritise agricultural activities reviving the collapsed factories built 63 years ago by Dr Kwame Nkrumah, founder of the CPP.
 
He promised a multi-trillion dollar agricultural sector industry since the CPP was poised to institute a research centre for effective growth in all their key sectors of development.
 
Mr Thomas Ntumy, the Volta Regional Chairman of the Party, asked the electorates to vote massively for the CPP, because things were going in the wrong direction of the country.
 
“A vote for the CPP is a vote for yourself, we are also Ghanaians, Ghana is not for only a few people to enjoy,” he explained.
 
Leadership of the Party during the visit, out-doored Mr Maxwell Atsah Nana, the Parliamentary candidate for Akatsi South on the ticket of the CPP.
 
Mr Atsah in his message to supporters of the Party, indicated “it is time we realise that “our challenges as a nation will not be addressed by NPP nor NDC, our struggle will continue to defeat us if we don’t liberate ourselves from this oppression”.
 
He urged all to promote peace during these period of campaign activities.
 
Other Party executives present include, Rashid Also, the Oti Regional Chairman, Musah Michael, Volta Regional Organiser, Mr Aaron Tetteh Agbenu, Volta Regional Secretary.
 
GNA
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